Roy Ward

The Vixens’ Kate Maloney (left) tangles with Verity Simmons from the Firebirds in the major semi-final. Photo: Jason South

People say time heals all wounds.

That phrase doesn't apply in competitive sport.

For the Melbourne Vixens, time dulls the pain and strengthens the nerves should a chance at redemption arrive.

The Vixens return to the ANZ Championship grand final on Sunday and redemption is at hand if they are good enough to snatch it.

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They will be on their home court, Hisense Arena, and face the Queensland Firebirds, a team that won the title in 2011 but has fallen short ever since, despite boasting the Australian captain and goal keeper Laura Geitz and the competition's most dangerous shooter in 196-centimetre Jamaican import Romelda Aiken.

The Vixens have been in the premiership race the past three seasons but know they let a priceless chance slip in 2012 when playing in front of a sell-out crowd at Hisense Arena against Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic.

On that day a Vixens side low on experience but high on confidence held a final-term lead over the Magic, then fell over with the title in sight.

Nerves hit, shots were missed, passes went wide and their defence faltered.

The Magic seized the moment and a memorable title.

Vixens wing attack Madi Robinson was on court that day and will play the same position on Sunday.

"It felt to me like that game was taken from us in the last 50 seconds," Robinson said.

"It hit me at that point 'oh my gosh it's gone and we can’t do anything about it'."

Vixens captain Bianca Chatfield along with Robinson, Geva Mentor, Karyn Bailey and Tegan Caldwell remain from 2012 and will all start on Sunday. Chatfield believes the experience the side had gained makes it a much stronger force this time.

"The five of us still here remember having that opportunity two years ago and not making the most of it," Chatfield said.

"We don't need to reflect on that too much, we have a great opportunity ahead of us, let's make the most of it."

Centre Liz Watson, at just 20, was in junior netball in 2012 while wing defence Kate Moloney was a fringe player.

They will experience new pressures on Sunday but will have experienced teammates to lean on, such as veteran shooter Cath Cox. Cox will be playing her last game and is expected to come off the bench, adding much-needed poise to the attack.

Robinson admitted nerves hit the side in 2012 but the mental strength of this year's team means that shouldn't happen again.

"I would have been going into the grand final in 2012 a little unsure about everything," Robinson admitted this week.

"We've seen a few faces change and people move on, but we've got experience now and we have that belief in each other.

"I wouldn't want a better group of girls to go into this match with."

In the major semi-final, also against Queensland at Hisense Arena, the Vixens took an early lead then had to hold back the fast-finishing visitors.

Firebirds captain Geitz said her side couldn't afford to commit as many errors as in the major semi while the club will also be looking for its own redemption after losing to Adelaide in last year's grand final by two goals.

"We had an error-filled performance two weeks ago and that is something we are definitely looking to make amends on," Geitz said.

"We don't reflect too much on last year; it's a different team and this is a different grand final – so it doesn't stand for too much.

"Even making the finals is hard to come by, so we've wanted to enjoy the moment with the girls in this year's team.

"This is a great stadium and stepping out in front of 10,000 fans is a highlight for any player. We've enjoyed some success here in the past as well."

The unpredictability of games this season has given supporters and players some stressful moments, and with Australian players on both rosters, predictions will mean little when the ball goes live.

At that moment, the time for redemption will arrive, belief will be strong in both camps and in Robinson's mind only effort and focus count. .

"There is nothing certain in sport anymore and I think that is what we love about it," Robinson said.

"Anyone on their given day can take the win; we know we have to work hard for it and work for all 60 minutes.